ESG CPD and Other Top ESG Content

Climate Change, Impact Investing, and Other ESG Topics

Robeco presents an educational module on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that allows readers to log 1.5 hours of continuing professional development credits. Wellington Management points out the need for climate resilience and highlights several adaptive climate solutions. Meanwhile, Qontigo reviews their survey of impact investment methodologies. 

Here is a sample of the top ESG content recently appearing on Savvy Investor. Be sure to check out Professor Aswath Damodaran's contrarian opinion on the effects of pervasive ESG integration.     

RECENT ESG CONTENT

Learning the Essentials of SDGs: Education – Earning CPD Credit (Robeco, 2021)

This educational model from Robeco explains the details of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Divided into six chapters and complete with a test, it is pre-approved for 1.5 hours of continuing professional development credits from a variety of professional bodies.

Climate Change: The resiliency imperative (Wellington Management, 2021)

Climate adaptation solutions can take on a variety of different forms, given whether they are meant to tackle increases in temperature, water scarcity, wildfires, or other variables. Given the risks posed by climate change over the coming decades, Wellington Management points to the need for investment in climate resilience.

Climate Change's Impact on Global Banks (Wells Fargo AM, Aug 2021)

In this 25-page report, Wells Fargo Asset Management evaluates how climate change may affect banking institutions using their Climate Transition Framework.

Impact Investment: Mind the gap between theory and practice (Qontigo, Aug 2021)

What exactly constitutes impact investment? Qontigo reviews the frameworks that investors use to manage and measure impact in order to both define a baseline and to bring to light instances of potential misalignment between investment theory and investment practice.

The Investment Case for Net Zero Buildings (LGIM, 2021)

For compliance reasons, this paper is NOT accessible in the United States and Canada

Constructing buildings in a manner that meets the standards of the Paris Agreement requires a major shift in construction techniques and operational expertise, but a first mover advantage may exist in positioning buildings this way, both in terms of occupier demand and the performance of the underlying asset.

The ESG Movement: The 'Goodness' Gravy Train rolls on! (Aswath Damodaran, 2021)

Aswath Damodaran, Professor of Finance at the Stern School of Business at NYU, presents a very contrarian opinion about ESG, arguing that it may actually create more harm than good.

Mining & Metals: Climate transition and change influencers (White & Case, 2021)

In this 28-page report, the international law firm White & Case examines ESG issues within the global mining and metals industry.

CIO Autumn Update: Countdown to COP26 (LGIM, 2021)

For compliance reasons, this paper is NOT accessible in the United States and Canada

Given the upcoming COP26 conference this November, LGIM looks at climate change scenarios and the actions investors can take to help avoid negative outcomes.

The Evolution of Thematic Investing and ESG (Candriam, Sep 2021)

For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in the UK & Europe

In looking at thematic investing through an ESG lens, Candriam discusses a more holistic analysis of companies that includes externalities, as well as the characteristics of 'values-driven' consumers.

Climate Change: Crisis or opportunity of a lifetime? (Aviva Investors, Sep 2021)

For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in certain geographies

Aviva interviews John Elkington, sustainability advisor and founder of Volans, a sustainability-oriented think tank, about climate change and potential 'green swans' on the horizon.

Capturing Asia’s Decarbonization Opportunity (RBC GAM, 2021)

For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in certain geographies

WIth many governments in Asia committing to new net-zero carbon emission targets, this may lead to significant opportunities for renewable energy investment in the region.

Exploring the Links Between ESG Supervision and Performance (NN IP, 2021)

In conjunction with Glass Lewis, NN Investment Partners conducted a study on internal corporate ESG management policies and corporate performance. The presence of a stand-alone ESG committee within corporate boards has led to higher ESG scores for those companies.

Time to Act: Addressing APAC’s ESG data challenge (State Street, Sep 2021)

State Street describes the challenges inherent within ESG data in the APAC region. Despite lagging Europe in terms of regulation and standards, comparable data sets are becoming more necessary for Asia Pacific investors.

UPCOMING ESG CONFERENCES

Virtual Event 21-22 Oct 2021: Reuters ESG Investment Europe

The industry-led agenda has been designed to deliver both strategic insights and tactical guidance on how to accelerate ESG integration plans, scale innovative sustainable and social products, access verified data, and refine engagement strategy. Join this event, as ESG redefines the future of investment.